DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Northern District of Texas

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, January 7, 2015
John R. Parker (Acting)
, United States Attorney
Contact: Kathy Colvin

Dallas Man Known as “Baja Bandit” Sentenced to 35 Years

DALLAS — A Dallas man, who admitted committing the armed robberies of insurance companies in Dallas last year, received a lengthy federal prison sentence today, announced John Parker, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

Michael Dewayne Cleveland, 31, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 420 months (35 years) in federal prison.  Cleveland pleaded guilty in June 2014 to four of seven counts charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas in December 2013.  Specifically, Cleveland pleaded guilty to two count of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of carrying or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to plea documents filed in the case, Cleveland admitted entering a Baja Insurance company office in Dallas on September 3, 2013, approaching an employee with a gun drawn and demanding money.  He admitted stating, “Tell me where it’s at or I’m gonna kill you.”  The employee, in fear for her life, pointed to a desk drawer.  Cleveland, later dubbed the “Baja Bandit,” took the money from the drawer and left the location. 
Cleveland also admitted entering a State Farm Insurance company office in Dallas on September 18, 2013, pulling out a gun, pointing it at employees and demanding money.  Two employees, in fear for their lives, complied with Cleveland’s demands.  Cleveland took money and credit cards from the business and fled.

Baja Insurance lost money as a direct result of the robbery, temporarily closed its office and lost several employees who feared for their safety.  The State Farm office also lost money as a direct result of the robbery, temporarily closed its office and the branch made less in overall monthly proceeds.  The robberies had a direct effect on both company’s revenue and commerce.

The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dallas Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Taly Haffar prosecuted.
 

Dallas Field Division